Bioinformatics C of E interim board named

Plans for Tasmania's Bioinformatics Centre of Excellence are stepping up with the naming of its interim board.

The board, chaired by University of Tasmania Chancellor Dr Michael Vertigan, has been charged with devising a business implementation plan, recruiting a CEO and hiring support staff to get the project rolling.

The Centre of Excellence, to be established with funding of up to $20 million, is expected to be in operation within six months.

It forms part of the joint Federal and Tasmanian governments' $40 million Intelligent Island program to spearhead the growth of the state's information and communications technology sector.

Announcing the board's composition, Intelligent Island chairman Neville Roach said it included outstanding people with the skills required to ensure the Centre was built on sound science and business foundations.

"Their expertise includes research and development in the fields of information and communications technology, bioinformatics and biotechnology and the commercialisation of research and development outputs," Roach said.

The interim board comprises Dr Julian Clark, Prof Paul Compton, Tony Ferrall, Brian Gibson, Dr Steve Gumley and Jeff Kelly.

Roach said the planning process would involve the development of a sustainable financial model; collaborative agreements with potential partners; a research training and commercial activity plan; an ethical framework, which will govern the operation of the Centre; and the recruitment of the essential management, research and other specialist staff needed to provide the critical mass necessary for the Centre's start-up phase.